Who Am I? A Harry Potter Fanfiction
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its associated characters; I do own any OC spells explained at the end of the chapter.
Harry/Hermione
Neville/Ginny
Draco/Luna
Normal Speech
'Thought'
{Parseltongue}
Review Answers:
Cy1701: Not really an approach I plan on taking for the dead-man; also, Molly's howler will backfire pretty soon;
Coolcatw: I appreciate the kind words and comments; I'm glad you like the story;
MariusDarkwolf: All will be revealed at the resurrection;
Tom's next words would change the very nature of Harry and all his adventures forever:
"You're half right Harry; I did anoint you as the Heir of Slytherin but," he then slid his wand towards Harry and, in a manner very unlike the Dark Lord, he stood up and then, moving to where Harry was seated, crouched before him and, taking Harry's hands, spoke his next words;
"I did not kill your parents! I was trying to save them!"
Chapter 10: The Third Magic
Harry recoiled in shock at the words that left Voldemort's lips, his eyes on the Dark Lord as he stared at the man before him, his own emerald eyes filled with shock and disbelief as he asked, "Sorry, did you just say that you were trying to save my parents?"
"I did," replied the Dark Lord, his red eyes almost boring into Harry's skull as he stood up and took a seat next to the Tri-Lord, "And I can understand that you have doubts Harry, but please understand that what I did was only in the effort to save them."
"Why?" asked Harry, looking to the man he had been told to be the reason he was an orphan.
"Because of you," Tom answered him, looking to Harry as he explained, "Because of what you are…what you really are."
"And what's that?" asked Harry.
"Something that hasn't been seen for years," explained Tom, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he spoke. "You see Harry, before you were born, there was a prophecy made about you, a prophecy that spoke of a child that, for all intents and purposes, shouldn't exist."
"And why's that?" asked Harry, "What are you trying to tell me Riddle?"
"I think," Tom remarked, realising he was obviously not making any real sense to Harry, "That it's best I start at the beginning; you see Harry, there are those in the world that believe all magic to be either light or dark, but, when you were born, there was a very rare astrological event: a pure, planetary alignment that affected all of magic. In the midst of the alignment, at its equinox, you could say, your Mother, dear sweet Lily Potter had you and, when you were born, there were a select few figures who sensed your arrival: I was one of them."
"And what does this have to do with you saving my parents?" asked Harry.
"I'm getting there," Tom answered, his voice calm and understanding as he continued, "As I told you Harry, I was one of the figures that sensed your birth into the world, but this is because your very existence is said to threaten the very meaning of light and dark magic, which, in essence, marks you as something that shouldn't exist: a Pure Wizard."
"Pure?" asked Harry, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Before light and dark magic were officially classed," Tom explained, "There was a third level of magic known as Pure magic, a level of magic that had no real consequences and could not be equalled or beaten in battle. The last Pure Wizard was someone who you have probably heard about before even my time; a wizard known as Gellert Grindelwald and, when he lived, his chosen path as a Pure wizard made the wizarding community see him as a Dark Lord."
"Really?" asked Harry, "So what are you saying? I'm some Pure wizard who basically can't be classed as a real wizard?"
"Not anymore, no," Tom answered, "You see Harry, there is an old saying that I try to teach to all who serve me and the reason that I teach this saying is so that, when the Pure wizard comes along and claims his magical abilities, my legions of followers will be the first to aid him restore the Balance between Light and Darkness. This, Harry, is why I was trying to save your parents on that fated night in Halloween: your Father, James Potter, was a man who was purely aligned with the Light and would not relent his decision, not even for his own son, but your Mother Lily was more a Grey-Level witch, which meant that she hadn't truly made her decision and, while she could be swayed, she never realised that she had the choice solely for the child that she had brought into this world, you, Harry Potter, Pure Lord or, to give you a real title, the Prince of Magic."
"But then," Harry remarked, "Why did you kill my parents and, if you didn't, then what truly happened that night?"
"All right Harry," Tom sighed, running a hand through his black hair, "If you wish to know the truth, then I will tell you: I went there that night, knowing full well that your parents were never protected nor were they hidden; in fact, as of the beginning of Halloween night, their location was as open to me as Hogwarts is to you. I knew that this would be my one chance to protect your Mother and give her the full explanation that, one day soon, I will also give to you: when I arrived at Number One, Godric's Hollow, I found the door to your home blasted off and your Father seemingly driven to insanity by some unknown affliction. I walked through the door and, as soon as he saw me, his delusions ordered him to cry out to your Mother; he told her to take you and run, before he fought me in battle. At one point, I erected a shield that made sure I could not kill him, but I did not count on your Father's strength: he tried blasting me out of the house and, in place of my shield, his own spell rebounded and knocked him through a brick wall. I knew that I would not earn favour with Lily if it seemed like I had killed him, so, to protect the truth, I cast green sparks around the room and went to check on your Father."
"Are you saying he killed himself?" asked Harry, looking to Tom with a sense of calmness and a partial understanding of what was being said.
"No," answered Tom, "When I checked on James, he was still alive, but barely: he looked me in the eyes and whispered that he was sorry, before pleading with me to protect his son; when I nodded to him in response, I scanned his mind and found a latent form of the Imperious Curse upon his magic, forcing him to do battle with me and protect Lily. I left James after that and climbed the stairs, where I found Lily talking to you, telling you that you were to be safe, to be strong and that you should know you were loved."
Harry had to wipe his eyes as a dim and distant memory of that very moment burned through his mind; he could still feel someone stroking his cheek and warm, damp tears dripping down his face as he couldn't understand what was happening.
"When she saw me," Tom continued, "She went into a rage and asked me how I could kill James: I tried to tell her to stand aside, knowing that I could still fulfil James' last request and, as if she feared I was going to kill you, she begged for me to kill her instead, but to leave you alone. I didn't want to do it Harry; I tried to convince her to step aside so that I could honour your Father's dying wish, but she was a mother protecting her child. Though no-one else would admit it, I then told her that I was sorry and that you would be safe…then…then I…"
"Cast the Killing Curse Avada Kedavra," Harry sniffed, "Robbing her of her life."
"And ensuring that your life would be safe," Tom insisted, now taking Harry's hands as he spoke up, "Killing rips the soul apart Harry and I knew that my knowledge would come in handy one day…so, as you're probably aware, I took my soul piece…"
"And turned me into a Horcrux," Harry nodded, "I am aware of that, yes, but I still don't understand…Tom: you could have taken me away and raised me as your son; you could have honoured my parents' wishes and raised me to be the Prince you say that I am, so why didn't you?"
"One word," Tom answered, "Dumbledore: he turned up, challenged me and we engaged in a wizard's duel: I wanted to protect you Harry and so I did cast Avada Kedavra once more; however, Dumbledore seemed to understand what I wanted and, in a split second, he had somehow taken my curse and rebounded it onto you: I still hear your screams as my curse marks you with the scar on your forehead, as well as my own screams as your Horcrux and your Mother's sacrifice destroy my body. Harry, I don't know what happened after that, but the fact that it has taken thirteen years to reach you tells me that you have not had it as easy as Lily and James had hoped."
"And you would be right," Harry nodded, "He left me with the Dursleys, my Mother's relatives and then he bound my magic behind a powerful set of blocks: after that, he made sure I couldn't touch the power within me without having my scar burn with pain. Tom, there's something you need to know: you see, I had some kind of accident earlier in the year and lost all my memories; however, when I recovered, all my magic came back to me and I even discovered I was the Heir of Slytherin."
"Then your Mother's sacrifice was not for nothing," Tom remarked, a smile crossing his face as he explained, "Physically Harry, there is no spell strong enough to combat the AK Curse, but, if I am right, then your Mother's sacrifice must have somehow fused her love with you and ensured that you were safe."
"That must have been the counter-measure I was told about," Harry agreed, looking to Tom as he added, "I was told that my magic could only reverse these blocks on an injury that could have left me comatose, but Tom; that's not the point: what I'm trying to say is that I don't even remember our previous encounters. I had a very loyal friend tell me about them and I'm still determined to follow my destiny; I don't want to fight you, but I'm not going to serve you either."
"I thought as much," Tom nodded, "In that case, Harry, would you consider taking the position I was going to give you? As my ward? I can teach you everything you need to know about the Pure Magic and can also help you discover the secrets behind your unique powers and, on my own life, I swear that I will not cause harm to anyone connected to you and your destiny."
"Do you mean that?"
"I do, but first I need to complete the rituals necessary for my resurrection and, for that, I need your help: it's how and why I was able to bring you here into the ether, so we could talk and I could give you the facts. Once I return to the world as the so-called Dark Lord, I will set out to achieve your Father's dying wishes and keep my promise to your Mother."
"What will you do if I say no?" asked Harry, slightly confused as to why he was even considering the offer.
"I will let you leave the battles to Albus and I," Tom explained, "Harry, I only seek to honour your parents' wishes and, though I failed in saving them, I will not fail to keep my word in keeping you safe. The war between Albus and I need not concern you; I will let you have your life back and, if you choose to decline my offer, then I shall respect your wishes and never bother you again; I will leave Hogwarts and all who follow you safe and sound and I will never bother your life again…unless you're still loyal to Albus that is."
"I'm not," Harry answered, his eyes on the Dark Lord, "And I can't answer you yet: instead, I will consider your offer and give you an answer as and when you return to this world; what is it you need from me?"
"Your blood."
"Then I will willingly give it to you either way," Harry explained, his hand on his Crest, "As Lord Slytherin, I swear it Tom, but I will not give you my answer until the first opportunity after your resurrection: can you allow that?"
"I can," Tom nodded, "And I will also tell you the date that I will need you: June 24th, which is also the date of the Third Task in this Tournament: now, on that note, there's something else you may like to know."
"What's that?" asked Harry, glad of the timescale that the Dark Lord was allowing him.
"Just who it is that put your name in the Goblet of Fire…"
WhoAmI?
When Hermione saw her boyfriend return to the Common Room, a look of confusion crossed her face at the sly, almost icy smile that was plastered on his face, his emerald eyes shining with magic and his stance and expressions telling her that whatever he had heard was obviously something he accepted. At her side, Ragnok was seated in one of the chairs surrounding the fireplace, a parchment before him, his own eyes on Harry as he bowed with respect, "Lord Potter…sorry, Harry: a pleasure to see you again."
"Oh thank you Ragnok," replied Harry, his smile remaining on his face as he kissed Hermione and then joined Ragnok next to the fireplace, "Have I missed anything?"
"Not really," Hermione gasped, her voice almost failing her at the way she had been accepted by Harry, "Ragnok told me that he was allowed to aid you in the tournament as well as accept the fact that one of your competitors are also your allies. He then brought something that I should have thought to tell you about, which could help you in the tournament."
"What's that then?" asked Harry, looking back to Ragnok, a part of him relieved that he was allowed the assistance of the goblin nation in the Triwizard Tournament.
"This," Ragnok answered, before he reached down next to his chair and pulled out a solid-gold and ruby decorated scabbard that held a golden-hilted end, the image of a lion inscribed into the scabbard along with a name written in runes along the edge of the scabbard.
"Godric Gryffindor," Harry whispered, watching as Ragnok bowed his head and offered the scabbard and sword to Harry.
Hermione was now speaking, "Do you remember what I told you about the Chamber of Secrets?"
"Yes," Harry nodded, "You said that I defeated a Basilisk with a sword that allegedly belonged to Godric Gryffindor and was hidden within the Hogwarts Sorting Hat."
"That's right," Hermione nodded, before she indicated the sword held by Harry, "Well, according to Ragnok, the sword that you used was a mere replica of Godric's sword that was offered to the headmaster of Hogwarts by, get this, Charles Richard Potter, your grand-father, for the best years and friendships of his life. When Dumbledore became headmaster, he placed the sword within the hat and, being a member of the Potter line, it explains the real reason that the sword came to you."
"Miss Hermione is right Harry," Ragnok continued for her, "This sword, which you now hold in your hand, is the real sword of Godric Gryffindor; burnished in dragon-fire and woven with a solid silver-edged finish, it was forged in the days of the Fifth Goblin King and offered to Godric Gryffindor himself as a means to respect the honour between our kind and his Lordship. Now, as leader of the goblin nation, I am more than honoured and willing to offer you your ancestor's blade and also offer you his place as a Clan Brother to the High Council of goblins, represented by myself."
With a gasp, Harry removed the sword from the scabbard, the silver-edged blade almost singing with magic as he swished it around, the blade and sword feeling lighter than air in his hands, his own magic almost humming in perfect synchronicity with the power that was sealed within the sword; lowering it, Harry lay the blade flat in his hands and kneeled before Ragnok, holding the sword out to him. "Lord Ragnok Silverfang, I am honoured to be considered a Clan Brother to the goblin nation and vow, on my ancestor's sword that I will do all in my power to honour and respect the goblin's alliance with my family. I offer my sword and my services to you and your kind in alliance and brotherhood."
"I ask for no services Lord Potter," Ragnok answered, taking Godric's sword in his hand, "But I am proud to know that one as strong as yourself is now my brother; rise, Harry James Silverbolt, Brother of the High Goblins."
As Harry stood up, Ragnok handed him the weapon back, before both members of the clan pressed their fists to their chests and bowed to the other, Ragnok speaking again, "Now my brother, I can tell you the full details of the Second Task in the Triwizard Tournament."
Harry and Hermione sat together, Godric's Sword resting in Harry's lap as he listened to his new family member speaking to him, "In the next trial, my honoured brother, there will be a treasure taken from you that is actually a hostage; this treasure shall be hidden at the bottom of the Black Lake and you will have one hour to find and retrieve your treasure. If you do not, then you risk failing the task and, by the customs of the Tournament, you will not be allowed to know the meaning of the final task."
'Which is a big mistake,' thought Harry, 'Especially if I am to give Tom my answer and the plan that he has made for my rise as the Pure Lord comes to pass.'
"Now," continued Ragnok, "Normally, such a tradition is ignored in the tournament, but the treasured hostage is usually someone that matters greatly to the champion, which, though I hesitate to say it, could mean that your treasure will be no-one else, but…"
"Hermione," Harry growled, a ripple of magic passing through the room, the magical metal within the sword humming with a musical tone as Harry's magic ran across its surface. Looking to Ragnok, he asked, "Do you have any suggestions for ways to aid me in this task brother?"
"You could opt for a second to take your place," Ragnok informed him, "Especially since you are a Triple-Class Lord: such a dangerous task against your person can be ignored given your status; if you opt for this second, then I give you my word that he or she will have the full support of the goblin nation and, on my honour, my brother, I swear that, should anything in the slightest harm Miss Hermione, we of Gringotts will see to it that her damages are compensated as well as investigating the cause for said trouble. The reason for this is because, according to the customs of the Tournament, the tasks are designed to merely test the champions and not the innocents."
"If anything harms Hermione," Harry growled, the musical humming from the blade now increasing in pitch as his own magic seemed to get stronger, "I will not hesitate to use this sword and cut them down. Ragnok," he then seemed to glare at the goblin leader as he added, "In the name of our new brotherhood, I would like you to personally oversee the preparations for the next task and, on the first hearing of the hostages, you will inform me so that I may assist my fellow champions. I won't allow the manipulations and mind games behind this Tournament to endanger anyone's life: this Tournament is taking place on my home turf, so I will accept full responsibility for the champions and their hostages, is that clear?"
"By the Gods," Ragnok replied, his hand going to his chest, "I accept the burden given by Lord Gryffindor and Lord Slytherin, my brother."
"Thank you," Harry replied, heaving a sigh as he leaned back and allowed Hermione to calm his tensions and growing anger with her magical touch.
WhoAmI?
January soon disappeared and the dreaded time of February appeared for Hogwarts, all the while, Harry tried his best to keep his mind occupied, while trying to hide the never-ending circle of dilemmas that filled his mind. Despite knowing about the task and what was going to be taken, Harry couldn't help but feel a strong sense of dread and fear: after informing Cedric of the task details – by way of the Vindicators so that their alliance was kept silent – as well as looking up possible ways to aid his breathing underwater, Harry could only realise that the answer was in front of him.
The book that Professor Sprout had sent him for Christmas had spoken of aqua-based plants and one of them was Gillyweed: it would allow him an hour at the most, but, with a little help from some Charms books in the Chamber, Harry found the means to extend that time should the need arise, while, at the same time, doing all he could to keep his fears to himself.
Familiar flutterings of panic were starting to disturb Harry now, and he was finding it difficult to concentrate in class again. The lake, which Harry had always taken for granted as just another feature of the grounds, drew his eyes whenever he was near a classroom window, a great, iron-gray mass of chilly water, with its labyrinth of dark and icy depths were starting to seem as distant as the moon. It felt as though time was slipping away as though somebody had bewitched the clocks to go extra-fast. There was a week to go before February the twenty-fourth…there were five days to go…three days to go; with two days left, Harry started to go off food again and, as he returned to the Chamber that night, his ears picked up the sound of four familiar voices arguing within the walls of the Chamber.
"I can't believe the nerve of Dumbledore to do something like this," Sirius' dulcet tones were crying out, "If Harry doesn't hear of this before Saturday, there'll be a disaster of massacre-level proportions."
"But Harry's been busier than ever lately," Remus' voice was saying, "Now that he has made up his mind about his future, we need him to know that we stand with him."
"I have to agree with Remus," Minerva was saying, "But also agree with Sirius: if Harry does not know of Albus' trap, then we may lose the young man we have worked so hard to help. Can you help him?"
"I will always do my best," Severus' voice was saying, the presence of the Potions Master slightly surprising Harry, "But I have been unable to move as of late given that I am busy watching Albus' plans fall around him. Minerva, I don't wish to alarm the boy, but if he does learn of this, then the first thing he will do is hunt down the guilty party."
"All right," Minerva was saying, an audible sigh leaving her lips as she asked, "What do you suggest?"
"How about…" Harry remarked, walking into the Chamber of Pride, startling all four of the adults as he looked to each of them, "You tell me what's going on and I'll decide what to do from there."
Minerva, Severus, Remus and Sirius all looked to one another, the Marauders looking partially worried as Sirius walked across the room, his eyes on his godson, "Harry, you need to rest: Saturday!"
"Saturday can come and go," Harry told them, "What's going on Sirius? Severus? Minerva?"
"We have to tell him," Remus nodded, "We are his Vassals."
"Very well," Severus nodded, giving Harry a look of concern and respect, "You see Harry; we learned something about the Second Task that you…"
"I already know about the hostages," Harry nodded, "Fleur's sister, Cho Chang, Millicent Bulstrode and Hermione."
"That's just it," Minerva remarked, "Your hostage won't be Hermione: Harry, if you compete tomorrow, you could put yourself in great and terrible danger."
"Why?" asked Harry, his hand flexing as he wished he was suddenly holding Godric's sword in his hand, "Who has been chosen for me?"
"Ginny Weasley," Sirius answered, "And the reason you're in danger is because…" he shared a worried look with the others while Severus was the one to say it, already bracing himself for the explosion.
"Albus was the one to choose her for you…we think he's going to try and trap you again."
Chapter 10 and the Second Task nears, but what is Dumbledore trying to do in choosing Ginny as Harry's hostage?
Also, now that Harry is protected as brother to the goblins, how will they react to this change of plans?
Keep Reading to Find Out…
Next Chapter: Hermione has a request for Minerva and Remus regarding Harry's summer arrangements; The Second Task is here and Harry is prepared, but a surprise twist seems to drive him to near-complete descent into darkness, but some advice from Ragnok brings him back and helps seal one of the pairings in place; also, it seems that a certain red-headed retard just can't get the message and Harry has a favour to ask of the goblin nation: its purpose – REVENGE!
Please Read and Review…
